We're big fans of Volkswagen's sixth-generation Golf here at Drive. Solid, sophisticated and great to drive, it's our 2009 Car of the Year and a package we'd recommend unequivocally.

All of which puts pressure on the new wagon version. It might widen the Golf's reach to more practical-minded buyers but if it dims its key attractions it could also end up as an example of how to mess with a good thing.

Price and equipment

We sampled the cheapest diesel, the $29,490 77 TDI manual, but it doesn't present a particularly compelling value case. There's no cruise control, no alloy wheels and the stereo takes only one CD.

No surprise, then, that our test car came fitted with the optional Comfort package, which adds dual-zone climate control, cruise control, a leather multi-function steering wheel, auto headlights and wipers and 16-inch alloys - and $2200 to the price.

Go for that on top of the seven-speed dual-clutch auto ($2500) and the 77 TDI ends up costing as much as the quicker, better-equipped 118 TSI. A more powerful 103 TDI diesel ($36,490) rounds out the range.

Under the bonnet

The 77 TDI's 1.6-litre donk is as contemporary as they come. It delivers similar power and more torque than its grumbly 1.9 TDI predecessor from less capacity, backed up by impressively frugal economy of 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres and a low 124g/km CO2 emissions.

We couldn't match that thriftiness but our test average of 5.6L/100km was still pretty impressive.

Performance is more steady than sizzling but it gets along pretty well. It's nowhere near as laggy as some small-capacity diesels in stop-start driving.

It's also exceptionally smooth and quiet for a diesel, while the slick five-speed shift is as polished as they come.

How it drives

You'd be hard-pressed to tell you weren't driving a Golf hatch. Those with sensitive ears will notice road noise is a touch pervasive over coarse surfaces in the wagon but it doesn't detract significantly from the VW's relaxed rolling demeanour.

The suspension is a big contributor to the refined feel, with its seamless blend of comfort and control. Big and small bumps alike are cushioned with aplomb yet it remains agile, poised and inherently predictable right up to its very high limits.

A class act.

Comfort and practicality

The wagon's load space totals 505 litres,

a handy 155 litres more more than the hatch. That rises to 690 litres using the integrated partition net that allows luggage to be stacked higher than the window line.

Safety

Like the Golf hatch, the wagon gets stability control, anti-lock brakes and a maximum five-star NCAP crash rating - but misses out on a driver's knee airbag. You'll have to pay extra if you want parking sensors or a reversing camera.